Safety match folder



June 21, 1938. w. WALLACE SAFETY MATCH FOLDER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 12, 1937 hzllz'am TVallace A iiorneys June 21,1938. w. WALLACE 2,121,136

SAFETY MATCH FOLDER Filed July 12, 1937 2 S hets-Sheet 2 Inventor VIII! 1 I I IIIIII'IIIIIII.

Patented June 21, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

Thisinvention relates to that'class of pockettype safety matches referred to in the art and trade as book matches, match folders, and the like, and the purpose of the invention is to generally improve upon structures in this classification by incorporating in the folder unique improvements and refinements of an aptly fitted type calculated to provide a more satisfactory packet characterized essentially by greater safety.

Needless to say, I am sufficiently conversant with the prior art to appreciate that it is comparatively active and characterized by many and varied constructions. Thus, it is my primary aim to generally improve upon a pocket accessory of this type by equipping it with selectively usable externally disposed match igniting abrasive surfaces, and to further include in the arrangement a simple and economical retention clip or catch for the swingable cover.

More specifically, the chosen embodiment of the inventive concept is thought to be distinctive in that a reinforced cover is provided, the reinforcement having mounted thereon an adequate- 1y stabilized clip functioning as a fastener for the closable cover.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

Figure l is a perspective view which may be conveniently referredto as a rear observation of the improved match folder constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view, that is, a View looking down on top of the structure, when the cover flap is swung completely to open position.

Figure 3 is a reverse plan view of the arrangement depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the cover swung partly to open position.

Figure 5 is an exaggerated detail transverse w or vertical section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Figure 3.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of the improved wire member forming the catch or clip, this view showing the wire before it is bent to its final stage W for anchorage; and

Figure 8 is a view based on Figure 7 showing the terminals bent into zig-z'ag form to facilitate maintenance of said clip.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing reference numerals, it will be observed that the paper board or cardboard folder constituting the sheath is denoted as a unit by the numeral 9.

It includes the customary back flap Ill carrying the book of matches H, and the front closing cover or flap l2 hingedly joined to the flap ID, as indicated at l3. As is customary, the relatively stationary back section or flap 10 has an inturned lower end l4 providing a keeper channel in which the matches II are riveted or otherwise fastened,

as at l5. On the exterior of this back is a match 10 striking strip it of proper abrasive material.

As shown to advantage in Figures 2 and 4, the free swingable end of the cover i2 is provided with an inturned flange H which constitutes a reinforcing element. Incidentally, if desired, an 15 additional set or book of matches can be fastened between the flange l1 and the cover l2, (not shown). Centrally attached to and projecting at right angles from the doubled end or flange I1 is a substantially U-shaped wire clip l8 which 20 constitutes a keeper or catch and this is adapted to project into a keeper slot l9 formed in the back section or panel in. As shown to advantage, in Figures 7 and 8, the catch includes a U- shaped central portion which forms the catch 25 proper, this having outstanding attaching extensions 20 having lateral terminals 2! and 22 forming the attaching and retention tangs or fingers. The portions 20 rest in contact with the flange I1,

and the extensions Zll extend through the double 30 fold of material, the terminals M and 22 being bent in opposite substantial parallelism. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, they are bent laterally, that is, one bend extends inwardly, and the other one outwardly, so as to prevent rock- 35 ing of the clip in its mounting. This retains the clip at true right angles to the flange H at all times so that it is in readiness for reception in the keeper slot l9. It is yet to be pointed out that a second or additional abrasive match striking surface or strip is provided on the exterior of the cover at the free end portion thereof, as denoted bythe numeral 23. Thus, both striking surfaces are on the exterior of the sheath or packet, whereby to promote the element of safety by properly shielding the matches housed within said sheath.

The gist of the invention resides, it is believed, in the provision of the flange-equipped cover I! having the retention catch or clip I8, this being of special configuration whereby to adequately align it with the keeper slot l9. These features are properly selected and coordinated to facilitate opening and closing of the cover [2 and to render the use of the device as safe as possible, within reason.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understoood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

A safety match folder comprising a sheath embodying a backing panel having an end turned in to form a pocket, a battery of matches having one end inserted in said pocket end attached to the backing panel, a cover flap hingedly attached to said back panel and covering the matches, the free end of said cover panel being formed with an inturned reinforcing flange, a substantially U- shaped catch, said catch having end portions passing through the flanged end of said cover panel, the terminals thereof being bent laterally in directions opposite to each other to prevent rocking of the catch and to maintain it at substantial right angles to the cover panel at all times, and said turned in end of the back flap being provided with a keeper slot for removable reception of said catch.

WILLIAM WALLACE. 

